Uttarakhand is set to host the 38th National Games, a prestigious multi-sport event that will take place from January 28 to February 14, 2025.
Organized by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), this edition promises to bring together athletes from across India, showcasing their talents in a variety of sports while celebrating the state’s cultural richness and natural beauty.
Key Details of the 38th National Games
- Start Date: January 28, 2025
- End Date: February 14, 2025
- Host State: Uttarakhand
- Inauguration Ceremony: The event will kick off with an opening ceremony at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun, featuring cultural performances and speeches from dignitaries.
Historical Context
The National Games have a storied history that dates back to 1924, when they were first held in Lahore, then part of undivided India, under the name Indian Olympic Games.
Over the decades, these games have evolved into a significant platform for athletes to display their skills and compete at a national level.
They serve not only as a showcase of athletic talent but also as a means to promote sports across various states in India.
Venues in Uttarakhand
| City | Venue |
| Dehradun | Maharana Pratap Sports Complex |
| Pavallion Ground Sports Complex | |
| FRIMA Golf Course | |
| Haridwar | Roshnabad Sports Complex |
| Shivpuri | Shivpuri Adventure Sports Centre |
| New Tehri | Tehri Lake |
| Nainital | Nainital Lake |
| Raj Bhavan Golf Course | |
| Haldwani | Haldwani District Sports Complex |
| Indira Gandhi Sports Complex | |
| Rudrapur | Manoj Sarkar Sports Complex |
National Games Schedule 2025
The National Games will feature competitions across 35 different sports.
| Sports List | Dates | Venue |
| Triathlon | January 26-30 | Manaskhand Tarantal, Golapur |
| Basketball | January 28-February 3 | Bhagirathi Hall, MPSC, Rajat Jayanti Khel Parisar |
| Kho Kho | January 28-February 1 | Chaukhamba Hall, Manaskhand Khel Parisar, Golapar |
| Aquatics | January 29-February 4 | Manaskhand Tarantal, Golapur |
| Badminton | January 29-February 4 | Multi Purpose Hall, Parade Ground |
| Football | January 29-February 7 | IGICS, Manaskhand Khel Parisar, Golapar (men) and Haldwani Football Stadium (women) |
| Kabaddi | January 29-February 2 | Yogasthali Khel Parisar, Roshnabad Stadium |
| Kalaripayattu | January 29-30 | Multi Purpose Hall, Police Line, Roshnabad Stadium |
| Rafting | January 29-31 | Kakadghat – Boom Mandir and Charan Mandir – Boom Mandir |
| Rugby | January 29-February 1 | Ganga Athletics Ground, MPSC, Rajat Jayanti Khel Parisar |
| Shooting | January 29-February 12 | Trishool Shooting Range, MPSC, Rajat Jayanti Khel Parisar and 46 Battalion, PAC |
| Volleyball | January 29-February 2 | Shivalik Hall |
| Wushu | January 29-February 1 | Kanchenjunga Hall, MPSC, Rajat Jayanti Khel Parisar |
| Cycling | January 30-February 11 | Shivalik Velodrome, Sattal Christian Ashram |
| Squash | January 30-February 3 | Squash Court, Rajat Jayanti Khel Parisar |
| Weightlifting | January 30-February 3 | Monal Hall, MPSC, Rajat Jayanti Khel Parisar |
| Boxing | January 31-February 7 | Shri Hari Singh Thapa Sports College Indoor Stadium |
| Yogasana | January 31-February 4 | Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Stadium |
| Archery | February 1-7 | RGICS Ground, Rajat Jayanti Khel Parisar |
| Lawn Bowl | February 1-8 | Hockey Practice Ground, MPSC, Rajat Jayanti Khel Parisar |
| Rowing | February 3-5 | Water Sports Complex, Koti Colony |
| Hockey | February 4-13 | V K Hockey Stadium, Roshnabad Stadium |
| Taekwondo | February 5-8 | Milam Hall, Manaskhand Khel Parisar, Golapar |
| Tennis | February 5-11 | Tennis Court, Parade Ground |
| Handball | February 7-11 | Shivalik Hall |
| Netball | February 7-13 | Kanchenjunga Hall, MPSC, Rajat Jayanti Khel Parisar |
| Athletics | February 8-12 | Ganga Athletics Ground, MPSC, Rajat Jayanti Khel Parisar |
| Gymnastics | February 8-13 | Bhagirathi Hall, MPSC, Rajat Jayanti Khel Parisar |
| Modern Pentathlon | February 8-13 | Trishool Shooting Range, MPSC, Rajat Jayanti Khel Parisar |
| Fencing | February 9-13 | Chaukhamba Hall, Manaskhand Khel Parisar, Golapar |
| Table Tennis | February 9-13 | Multi-Purpose Ground, Parade Ground |
| Judo | February 10-13 | Monal Hall, MPSC, Rajat Jayanti Khel Parisar |
| Wrestling | February 10-13 | Yogasthali Khel Parisar, Roshnabad Stadium |
| Canoeing & Kayaking | February 11-13 | Water Sports Complex, Koti Colony |
| Mallakhamb | February 11-13 | Van Chetna Stadium, Khatima |
Participation and Athletes
This year’s 38th National Games is set to be a grand affair, featuring the participation of approximately 11,340 athletes from 36 states and union territories.
Total Athletes: Around 11,340
- Male Athletes: Approximately 4,941
- Female Athletes: Approximately 4,779
Number of Events: Competitions will span across 45 events in 35 different sports disciplines, including athletics, archery, rugby, weightlifting, and more.
Breakdown of Participation by State
Various states have sent substantial contingents to compete:
- Karnataka: 681 athletes
- Maharashtra: 822 athletes
- Kerala: 596 athletes
- Delhi: 633 athletes
- Smaller states like Lakshadweep will have only 2 participants.
Where to Watch the National Games Live?
Fans are eager to catch the action of the 38th National Games on DD Sports.
